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Supplementation with predominantly methoxylated isoflavones derived from red clover has no effect on plasma homocysteine or folate concentrations in young women
Author(s) -
Samman Samir,
Koh Hoon,
Blakesmith Sarah Joy,
Petocz Peter,
LyonsWall Philippa Mary
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.20.4.a153-c
Subject(s) - isoflavones , red clover , homocysteine , genistein , placebo , biochanin a , daidzein , endocrinology , formononetin , medicine , menstrual cycle , plasma homocysteine , luteal phase , follicular phase , chemistry , hormone , biology , botany , alternative medicine , pathology
Background Isoflavones are reported to benefit a number of cardiovascular risk factors. Objective To determine the effect of supplementation with mostly methylated isoflavones derived from red clover on total plasma homocysteine and folate concentrations in premenopausal women. Methods and Design Twenty‐three healthy premenopausal women (18–45y) participated in a double blind, randomised, parallel study. The treatment group (n=11) consumed a placebo for the first menstrual cycle and an isoflavone supplement (86 mg/d, derived from red clover; 51·4 mg biochanin A, 8·6 mg genistein, 18·6 mg formononetin and 7.4 mg daidzein) for three cycles, while the placebo group (n=12) consumed a placebo supplement for four menstrual cycles. Blood samples were collected weekly during cycles 1, 3 and 4, and analysed for plasma homocysteine and folate concentrations. Results No significant effects of supplementation with isoflavones on either folate or homocysteine concentrations nor was there any significant menstrual phase differences. However, a consistent lower homocysteine and higher folate was observed in the luteal phase as compared to the follicular phase in both groups. Conclusion Methoxylated isoflavones do not impact significantly on plasma homocysteine nor do they have a sparing effect on plasma folate in young women. The observed variation during the menstrual cycle has implications for future study design. Supported by the Sydney University Nutrition Research Foundation.